Fun in the Snow!

 Is that not the cutest eskimo face ever?? We had a huge snow storm come through a couple of weeks ago and left us with lots of fun snow to play in. Nixon had so much fun and it was so beautiful out so we were able to play for quite a while. He was not happy when it was time to come in though.

We actually don't mind the snow when it is warm enough to play! 

Stephanie and Ryan's Baby Shower

Two of my girlfriends and I threw a co-ed baby shower for our friends the Portwoods. They recently moved into our ward and we thought it would be fun to welcome them and make them feel special. They are expecting their second child, a boy. We served cinnamon rolls and had a hot chocolate bar. It turned out so fun! 

 We played a couple of games and it was actually pretty fun to get the guys involved..

This one was by far the best. You waddle down with a balloon between your knees like you are pregnant, and then you have to sit on and pop a balloon. There was lots of laughing during this one. 

We had each couple "Make a Baby" out of clay. This one of Jenny's won everyone's vote!

Me, Stephanie, Jenny and Lara

It was a very fun party and I'm happy to say that Stephanie and Ryan welcomed healthy baby Roman into their family about three weeks ago! 

Playing in the sink

 I have been trying my best to keep Nixon entertained while it's too cold to go outside, without watching movies all day so we have gotten pretty creative when it comes to staying indoors and having fun. I put some dish soap, a little water, and some food coloring in the blender and it turned to foam. I dumped it in the sink, gave him some kitchen utensils, and let him go to town. He played in the sink for over an hour the first time we did it! He thinks a sink full of bubbles and water is pretty fun too, so I usually strip him down to his diaper and have at it. He asks to play in the "ink" at least three times every day. We are anxious for some warm days so we can go outside!

Christmas

 We started the Christmas season off by going to "The Nutcracker" with our friends PJ and Tara. The Nebraska Ballet puts it on every year here in Omaha and it was so fun to get to experience it. We also went to our Ward Party and Nixon was quite the character that night.

 Nixon with Santa and Mrs. Clause

 Since we were going to spend Christmas in Idaho, we wanted to have a little Christmas with just us before we left. It was during Chase's finals week so we ended up doing it on a Thursday night. I figured since Nixon would be in his pajamas, it would all be the same, morning or night :) Santa brought Nixon a car mat and some little wooden cars. He loved it!

Chase's mom still had Chase's stocking from when he was little so we decided it would be fun to use that! 

My cousin Josh got married in Boise so when we got to Idaho we went to his wedding first. Josh and I were very close growing up together so it was so special to get to be there with him and his cute wife Sydnee. 

Soon after, we headed to Chase's parent's house in Hansen and of course had to see the Camel and the fun lights up in the South Hills! Nixon got to feed the camel a carrot and it was pretty funny to watch him. 

 Grandpa Funk gave us a tour of the dairy while we were there too. Nixon loved the baby cows...

 but maybe not this close :)

 He got to play in the huge pile of cotton seed at the end of the tour!

Aunt Heidi and Nixon

Nixon and Boston

 My mom and sisters (Christmas Eve Party)

 Grandma and Grandpa 

It snowed while we were in Idaho and the kids had so much fun playing in it. It was fairly cold, but the kids could have cared less. 

 Grandma, Max, Nixon and Boston

It was a fun and busy Christmas, but we are so glad we got to spend it with family and friends!!

Family Pictures/Nixon 18 months

I debated this year about doing family pictures, mainly because I am lazy, but there was a warmish day in November so I called up my friend and had her come with us one day after church. I put the settings in on the camera and she pushed the button. It isn't the easiest way to do it, but it worked. I am pretty happy with how they turned out, except for the fact that I didn't get a picture with Nixon and I. He was totally done doing pictures within about 15 minutes. 

Ok so I thought I would try to snap a few of Nixon by himself for his "18 Month" pictures. It was a bit difficult because he just wanted to go go go! That's what I love about the picture below. It totally shows exactly what he is like at 18 months. 

18 Month Stats:
    Weight: 23 lbs. 7.5 oz. (40%)
     Height: 33.75 in. (87%)
Started Nursery! He loves it and we do to :)
Loves singing Eeensy Weensy Spider, Popcorn Popping, and Here's a ball for baby, with the hand motions.
Absolutely loves puzzles!
Great eater
Takes 1 nap (usually about 2 hours)
Loves playing with friends, still hardly says goodbye when we leave him with them
Loves scrambled eggs, any fruit, and cookies (he calls them "cooeys")
Loves to play hide and seek but has a hard time staying hidden until we come find him :)
Likes to play Duck Duck Goose, but only taps your head and says "Goose", never "Duck"
Spins in circles when he dances
Still likes watching for the school bus and garbage trucks
No more binky/nursing/bottle (that was at 16 months)
Loves to snuggle with his little Monster stuffed toy during nap time and bed time.
Still acts bored when we are home (we try to go out and about as much as possible, and thanks to pinterest, I have been able to keep him entertained with new activities)
After we say our prayers and kiss him goodnight, he says "Bye" in this loud voice like he wants us to leave
When he hears the garage door opening when his daddy comes home, he runs to the door screaming "Dah-ee, Dah-ee!". Melts my heart every time.
Learns new words daily
Gives the best kisses ever!!

Creighton Game

We took Nixon to his first Creighton Basketball game in November. Luckily we had some empty seats by us so he was a pretty happy camper for most of it. He liked climbing up and down on the seats and smiling and waving at the people behind us. 

Thanksgiving

We had the opportunity to go to Denver for Thanksgiving this year. Chase's Aunt Kam lives there, so we met his parents and siblings at her house since it is about a half way point for everyone. Nixon had a blast playing with his cousins Max, Boston, and Parker! He was so entertained by the new atmosphere, toys, and people so it was very easy on me :) The adults went to an Improv Comedy night and that was a blast! We laughed a ton. There was also some shopping, movies, and lots of games. We even did a Turkey Trot (5K) on the day after Thanksgiving. It was a very fun filled few days and I'm so grateful we were able to be with family this year!